Circular Solutions Centered on Biochar Could Improve the Carbon Footprint of Coffee With Co-Benefits

Annually, coffee results in the emission of at least 90 million tons of CO₂-equivalents. Here we provide a brief overview of the coffee export preparation process, with a focus on key sources of carbon emissions linked to production and transportation. We then present a road map that has the potential to significantly reduce the climate impact of coffee. We focus on the decarbonization of logistics and the production of biochar and other organic fertilizers from waste biomass. Together, these strategies could neutralize almost 3 million tons of CO₂-equivalents annually. Finally, this analysis highlights current knowledge gaps and areas where further mitigation of greenhouse gases might be possible.